O
V E R V I E W
Where Countries Stand in the 1000 Japan
and Taiwan boost their numbers as South Korea retreatsThe beginnings
of economic recovery in Asia, including Japan, and the yen's
strengthening through much of 1999 propelled 16 more Japanese
companies into The Asiaweek 1000. The other big gainer is
Taiwan, which added 10 enterprises. Dropping out were 11 companies
from South Korea, six from China, and three each from Australia
and Hong Kong. But get this: despite Japan's increased representation,
its share of total employees fell to 55% from 62% last year.
That is partly due to restructuring layoffs.